I have a Rem 870 w/ an 18" barrel on it. I got to thinking this eve that even with that short of a barrel, it wasn't as maneuverable as I'd like. Would this make a better home defense shotgun choice in your opinion?

http://www.serbu.com/ss3s.jpg

Thanks

tuc22

October 14, 2001, 11:27 PM

No, I can't see any advantage here. You are giving up magazine capacity, you have to control recoil with pistol grip instead of full stock, and I'm sure working the action is more difficult with that folding fore end grip.

I wouldn't give you two cents for it.

Oleg Volk

October 15, 2001, 12:41 AM

At least for me, this would be a non-starter. 1) recoil would be severe enough to discourage practice. Velocity would suffer, you'd get huge muzzle flash and a nasty shockwave. Hitting anything even at 3m would be a challenge.

If you must get something really short, I'd recommend a handgun or, if you must have a shotgun, a side-by-side 20ga. Would still have to get it registered but, at least, you'd have longer barrels with the same overall length and simpler operation.

Jhp147

October 15, 2001, 05:04 AM

I've always wanted to shoot one of those little fellows to see if it was possible to hit and how far. I recall blurbs about similar weapons being issued to Witness Protection assigned U.S. Marshalls. I don't think that magazine capacity would be a problem in most situations, if home defense is your concern. I am always amazed how much shorter a plain old double bbl. shotgun is than a pump of similar bbl. length. Might look at that option....no Federal involvement, either.
I am of the OPINION, based on appearance alone that a handgun would be much easier to use, as pistol gripped shotguns have the limitations mentioned. That being said, I witnessed one case of a SWAT officer terminating an armed burglars career at much more than the distance of a couple of living rooms using a PGSG and OO.

Dave McC

October 15, 2001, 05:32 AM

Nope. These shorties are hard to hit with, and shooting in low light is well nigh impossible. If anyone ever comes after me with a shotgun, I hope they have one of these....

exilefromhell

October 15, 2001, 09:21 AM

thanks for the inputs. it all makes good sense.

C.R.Sam

October 15, 2001, 10:27 AM

Contrary to what some believe, the blast of a shotgun does not exterminate all the bugs in a room with a single shot.

You essentially have a big bore rifle, or pistol in this case, and must excercise good shot placement to stop a bad guy.

This thing has all the bad features of an ultra light .44 mag with hot loads and none of the good features of a shotgun or rifle.

Yes, a person with talant who practices enough can become proficient with one but there are so many more options out there that are easier to use.

Sam

KSFreeman

October 15, 2001, 11:03 AM

While gun shop commandos are absolutely fascinated with these cut down shotguns, they are feckless in 99.9% of situations. Leave these silly things to Hollywood and the GSCs who used them in SAS, SEALs, SF, RLI, etc.

They are silly because:
1. hard to aim;
2. easier to take away;
3. you will bust your face open (losing your own teeth or eye is not the proper way to respond to violent aggression).

If you are worried about gun grabs (at least you are asking the right questions), why not go to school and learn retention drills. Further, you should not rely on one weapon. Why not a pistol as well???

exilefromhell

October 15, 2001, 02:35 PM

I was worried about retention, but maneuverabality. I'm just sitting back and taking in the discusison now. Thanks though!:)

CWL

October 16, 2001, 01:33 PM

I think that the only use for these types of "minis" is for specific tactical applications, perhaps door-busters, narrow space clearance, intimidation in dangerous warrant scenarios.